Good Afternoon All. I just aquired my grandfathers service revolver, and I'm looking for some advice on how to properly clean and polish this paticular revolver. I've never dealt with nickel plating and I've heard so many contradicitng techniques that I figured I would come to the source for the best and safest methods to clean and polish the finish without damaging it. The revolver is still in excellent condition with no major discoloration or pitting, just minor surface scratches and slight cloudiness towards the end of the barrel. Thanks in advance for any and all help.
1973 S&W Model 27 Nickel Plated Polishing Techniques?
- Thread starter Splash0430
- Start date
- Replies 7
- Views 152
If you don't have a bunch of chipping and peeling I would suggest using a very light polishing compound and don't over heat while buffing. Never use any harder chemicals on nickle plate specially older nickle plate. Like hoppes #9 will completely destroy a nickle finish. The nickle itself is pretty damn tough but the weak point is the usual copper coating that's used under the nickle. Hard chemicals attack the soft copper undercoating there for destroys the nickle on top.
OP
Thank you sir. I had read that anything ammonia based would eat the finish alive so I'm glad you confirmed that. I planned on taking a quick splash of M-Pro 7 just to hit surface carbon with a plastic bristle brush, then possibly try some Flitz to bring back a little luster. I just wasn't to sure if flitz may be to abbrasive for nickel or not. Thought's or experience with Flitz for Nickel?
ronn47
Where's the Scotch?
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Member
Benefactor
Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Search online and get some of this, it is what museums use.
Restorer's Mini-Kit B' - Restoration Product
65ml can of 'Renaissance-wax/polish' & 65ml can of 'Pre-Lim-surface cleaner
restorationproduct.com
Mothers Mag polish…they sell it at any automotive store. From bike wheels to stainless or nickel. Apply by hand gently rub and it will not damage the finish. Cleaned up a buddy’s nickel model 19 and looks like brand new.
OP
Thank you guys for the suggestions and guidance. I've actually got some mothers mag laying around. May give that a try on a small section and report back. The pre-lim stuff looks like a winner to. Thanks again
Jeppo
Bold inspired solutions for America 😂
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Perhaps that small section could be under the grips. 😉
mellocollins
Well-Known Member
Search online and get some of this, it is what museums use.
Restorer's Mini-Kit B' - Restoration Product
65ml can of 'Renaissance-wax/polish' & 65ml can of 'Pre-Lim-surface cleanerrestorationproduct.com
It is very gentle and works. Take your time and the hazing will disappear. It will buff out fine scratches also. Works for the cylinder face too. I use either a cotton or micro fiber cloth by hand. It will get in the roll marks. A toothbrush and oil will get it out. Then I wipe down with alcohol and apply several coats of the wax, buffing with a towel between coats. Wax the inside and outside of grips also. Use a toothbrush for applying to grips just like leather polish. Gets it down into the textured portions. Wish I had some pics of the ones I have done for family and friends.
It also works wonders on a nice blued finish.
Ballistol wont harm a nickel finish for cleaning
Last edited: